19 MPG combined is what you can expect with a 2017 GMC Sierra C15 2WD with the 5.3L V8. No one buys this truck for its fuel efficiency. They buy it for its capability, its comfortable ride, and its reputation for reliability. The fuel economy is simply what you pay for a light-duty truck ready to work, tow, or haul while offering a level of everyday livability that most other work vehicles lack.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the Sierra at 16 MPG in the city and 23 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects the V8’s thirst during stop-and-go driving, where its weight and displacement hurt fuel economy. On the open road, the 23 MPG rating is more reasonable, especially considering the truck’s size and aerodynamic profile. The six-speed automatic transmission helps, keeping the engine at the right RPMs at cruising speeds, but ultimately, physics matters. If most of your driving is urban, expect to visit the gas station more often than the highway figure suggests.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2017 GMC Sierra C15 2WD 5.3L V8 at $2,300. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. Actual fuel costs will vary depending on your driving habits and the price of gas in your area. Aggressive driving, frequent towing, or spending more time in stop-and-go traffic will increase your fuel consumption and, therefore, your annual fuel expenses. This $2,300 provides a benchmark, a standardized estimate for comparing the Sierra’s running costs to other vehicles.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA figures provide a useful starting point, real-world fuel economy will depend heavily on how you use the Sierra. Owners who primarily use the truck for commuting or running errands around town may see numbers closer to the 16 MPG city rating. Those who do more highway driving, especially at consistent speeds, may be able to approach or even slightly exceed the 23 MPG highway estimate. Towing or hauling significantly impacts fuel economy, often dropping well below the combined 19 MPG figure. Don’t expect hybrid-like efficiency, but with mindful driving, you can at least aim to achieve the EPA’s estimates.

How it compares

Compared to its rivals in the full-size truck segment, the 2017 Sierra’s fuel economy is normal among V8-powered, two-wheel-drive models. A comparable Ford F-150 with the 5.0L V8 may achieve similar numbers, around 15 MPG city and 22 MPG highway, depending on configuration. The Ram 1500 equipped with the 5.7L Hemi V8 offers fuel economy that mirrors the Sierra, landing around 15 MPG city, and 22 MPG highway. The Chevy Silverado also shares internal components with the Sierra, and they offer virtually identical mileage ratings. For buyers prioritizing fuel efficiency above all else, models equipped with smaller turbocharged engines will deliver better MPG numbers, though this comes with tradeoffs in towing capacity and the characteristic V8 sound and feel. You can compare the SIERRA MPG across all years to see if newer versions are a better choice.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Resist the urge to accelerate quickly. The 5.3L V8 provides ample power, but heavy acceleration burns fuel unnecessarily. Gentle acceleration and maintaining a consistent speed will significantly improve your fuel economy, especially in city driving.

Tire pressure is important for fuel efficiency. Make sure your tires are properly inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure, which can be found on the sticker inside the driver’s side doorjamb. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and consume more fuel.

Reduce unnecessary weight. The more weight you carry in the bed or cab, the harder the engine has to work, reducing fuel economy. Remove any unnecessary items and only carry what you need. Consider removing any aftermarket accessories that add weight or create aerodynamic drag.

Use cruise control on the highway. Maintaining a consistent speed on the highway helps to optimize fuel efficiency. Cruise control prevents rapid acceleration and deceleration, which can waste fuel. It’s a subtle change in your normal driving patterns that will help squeeze every bit of efficiency out of the big V8.

Regular maintenance is key. Keeping your engine properly tuned and performing routine maintenance, such as oil changes and air filter replacements, can improve fuel efficiency. A well-maintained engine runs more efficiently, optimizing combustion and reducing fuel consumption. If you need a fuel efficient vehicle you may want to compare all Gmc fuel economy data, but remember that there are inherent tradeoffs with buying a work truck.